HENDO AT THE DOUBLE: Henderson's brace proved crucial for the Reds [REUTERS]

Henderson was the hero as his 74th minute winner secured all three points after a topsy-turvey encounter.

The hosts got off to a perfect start when Sturridge gave them the lead after just five minutes.

After Swansea gave away possession in their own half, youngster Raheem Sterling delivered a superb sliderule pass though to the England striker who rounded goalkeeper Michel Vorm and finished into the empty net.

Liverpool were playing with their now familiar high tempo and it came a little surprise when they doubled their lead in the 20th minute.

This time Sturridge turned provider as he cut in from the right and fed Henderson on the edge of the penalty area, who took one look and cooly curled an effort into the corner of Vorm's net.

The home side were firing on all cylinders and looked in the mood to record another Anfield rout, however, they were stunned just three minutes later when ex-Reds midfielder Jonjo Shelvey smashed in an effort from the edge of the area to halve the arrears.

Then just five minutes later Anfield was in shock as Swansea drew level through striker Bony.

He rose highest to head in a floated Jonathan de Guzman free-kick, which went in via a slight deflection off defender Martin Skrtel.

Liverpool responded well to that equaliser, and in the 36th minute were back in front as Sturridge grabbed his second.

Luis Suarez found space on the left and clipped in an inviting cross which Sturridge headed in from 10 yards out.

Swansea almost grabbed themselves another leveller before the break as Bony forced a good save from Simon Mingolet and Nathan Dyer dragged an effort wide when he should have done better.

They didn't let those misses affect them though, as just two minutes after the break they were level as Bony converted a penalty after Skrtel pulled him down in the area.

Both sides fancied themselves for the win, with plenty of chances at both ends, however, it was the hosts who grabbed the decisive goal as Henderson finished from close range in the 74th minute.

It came after a 40-yard ball from Steven Gerrard found Suarez on the edge of the area. His goal-bound shot was blocked by Ashley Williams, and the ball fell straight into the path of the former Sunderland man, who finished at the second attempt.

Liverpool saw out the game to keep up the pressure on leaders Chelsea, while Swansea find themselves nervously looking over their shoulders towards the relegation zone.